A doctor who holds AHPRA general registration and is on an eligible temporary visa can apply for a Medicare provider number and work in a GP practice without being enrolled in any of those programs. This route operates under a distinct legal mechanism — a section 19AB pathway exemption — rather than the section 3GA “approved placement” pathway used by the training programs.

Moving from a regional or rural placement to a metropolitan area is one of the most significant decisions a GP will make after Fellowship. For many newly fellowed FRACGPs and international medical graduates, the appeal of city life — better family opportunities, greater anonymity, stronger collegiate support and lifestyle amenities — is strong.

This FAQ addresses the most common concerns doctors raise in their first days and weeks on the ground. Clear answers can significantly reduce stress and help you move from landing to consulting more smoothly.

or many newly fellowed FRACGPs and international medical graduates, the choice of where to practise is as much about lifestyle as it is about clinical opportunity. In 2026, Western Australia — and Perth in particular — continues to stand out as one of the most compelling destinations in the country.

Dr. Raj had trained and practised as a GP in th eUK, one of the countries whose specialist qualification appears on AHPRA’s accepted list. He knew the AHPRA Expedited Specialist Pathway could mean specialist registration in Australia much faster than traditional routes — but he still needed to complete the online application smoothly.

For overseas-trained specialist General Practitioners (GPs), Australia offers excellent opportunities to practise at the highest level. However, navigating the visa and permanent residency (PR) landscape can feel complex—especially when combined with RACGP assessment pathways, AHPRA registration, and Medicare provider number requirements.

For many doctors considering a move to Australia — especially those on the PEP Specialist Pathway — the first question that often comes up is: “What’s the sign-on bonus or relocation allowance?”

Imagine stepping off a plane in Australia, heart racing with excitement and a touch of nerves. You’ve trained as a GP overseas, built years of experience helping patients in your home country, and now you’re ready to bring that care to Australian communities. For Dr. Anita, a dedicated general practitioner from overseas with a recognised specialist qualification, that moment arrived in early 2026. Like many international medical graduates (IMGs), she knew the path to practisi

The CCE is different from the written exams. It’s a practical, high-pressure assessment that tests how you actually practise medicine — your communication, clinical reasoning, patient safety, and professionalism under time constraints. Many capable registrars underperform not because of a lack of knowledge, but because of poor preparation strategy or exam-day execution. Here are the most effective, battle-tested tips to help you perform at your best.

Guiding an International Medical Graduate (IMG) through the RACGP Practice Experience Program Specialist Pathway (PEP SP) is one of the most rewarding roles a GP Fellow can take on. You get to shape the next generation of Australian GPs while contributing to better access to care in areas that need it most.

Many GPs who began their Australian careers in regional or rural areas (MM2–7) eventually consider moving to a major city (MM1). The appeal is understandable — better access to specialist services, more career opportunities for partners, quality schooling options, and greater lifestyle variety.

Congratulations — you’ve completed your RACGP Fellowship exams. This is a massive milestone that officially marks the end of your training journey and the beginning of independent practice as a Fellowed GP. However, passing the exams is only the first step. To actually consult independently, bill Medicare, and practise at your full scope, you need to complete a clear sequence of administrative steps to upgrade your registration and secure Medicare access.

You’ve decided PTE Academic is the right English test for your AHPRA registration and PEP Specialist pathway journey. Now comes the practical part: locating a convenient, official test centre and securing your preferred date without hassle. Finding and booking a PTE Academic test is refreshingly straightforward — whether you are still overseas or already in Australia. Here’s the complete, up-to-date process tailored for busy International Medical Graduates.

Explore how Australian GPs earn income, calculate billings, and maximise earnings through fee-for-service

RACGP lists the “Diplomate of Family and Community Medicine” qualification as Partially Comparable, enabling you to work in Australia on the PEP Specialist Pathway.

Discover how GPs can migrate to Australia via AHPRA or RACGP PEP pathways and the Subclass 482 visa

Learn how Distribution Priority Areas (DPA) affect International Medical Graduates accessing Medicare and working as GPs in Australia.

Learn how International Medical Graduates in Australia can reduce their 10-year moratorium through rural GP work and IMG programs.

Supervisor Eligibility To ensure compliance with RACGP and AHPRA requirements, please confirm and provide the following details for the nominated supervisor: Completion of Education Module: Has the supervisor completed (or committed to completing) the MBA’s online education and assessment module pertaining to the MBA's Supervised practice for international medical graduates guidelines? (tick or cross the checkbox) Registration Status: Does the supervisor hold full and unrestr

Learn the stages of AHPRA processing for overseas-trained GPs, including Expedited and RACGP PEP Specialist Pathways, assessment timelines, and registration guidance.